03 June 2019 Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS), the premier maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, takes place in the Baltic Sea June 9-21. Ground, maritime, and air forces from participating nations will work together to exercise air defense, maritime interdiction, anti-subsurface warfare, mine countermeasures, and amphibious operations in order to strengthen the development of our joint leaders and teams across all layers of the battlespace. BALTOPS 2019, scheduled to include air, maritime, and ground assets from 18 nations, is an annual exercise. It provides a unique training opportunity designed to foster and sustain cooperative relationships that are critical to ensuring the safety of sea lanes and security on the world's interconnected oceans. Designed to improve training value for participants to enhance flexibility and interoperability, BALTOPS gives allied and partner forces a chance to demonstrate resolve in defending the Baltic Sea region. “U.S. 2nd Fleet will be leading the exercise, but make no mistake, it will be founded on NATO and partner principles,” Vice Adm. Andrew “Woody” Lewis, commander, U. S. 2nd Fleet, said. “Through BALTOPS 2019 and exercises like it, we strengthen our relationships and improve overall coordination and interoperability between allies and partners during both peace and times of conflict.” Follow this page for continuing coverage. 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BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Chief Mass Communication Specialist Shannon Renfroe/Released) More Details 190613-N-N1604-1001 BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2019) Spanish marines aboard the Spanish Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Cristóbal Colón (F 105) conduct a small caliber firing exercise during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019 exercise. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (Photo courtesy of BLT. Joaquin Garat Loureiro (SP Navy), ESPS Cristobal Colon/Released) 190613-N-N1604-1001 190613-N-N1604-1001 BALTIC SEA (June 13, 2019) Spanish marines aboard the Spanish Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate Cristóbal Colón (F 105) conduct a small caliber firing exercise during Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019 exercise. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (Photo courtesy of BLT. Joaquin Garat Loureiro (SP Navy), ESPS Cristobal Colon/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: MC1 Catherine Bland VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0580 More Details 190612-M-OX257-0198 KALLASTE, Estonia (June 12, 2019) U.S. Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Romanian Marines with 307 Regiment secure a beach after disembarking from the Lubin-class mine layer/landing ship, ORP Gniezno, during Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 12, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/Released) 190612-M-OX257-0198 190612-M-OX257-0198 KALLASTE, Estonia (June 12, 2019) U.S. Marines assigned to the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and Romanian Marines with 307 Regiment secure a beach after disembarking from the Lubin-class mine layer/landing ship, ORP Gniezno, during Exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 12, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Abrey Liggins/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Cpl. Abrey Liggins VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0578 More Details 190611-N-AT530-1006 BALTIC SEA (June 11, 2019) Cmdr. Michael Fabrizio, executive officer of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), right, goes over plans with Lt. j.g. Robert Paul as Fort McHenry participates in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 11, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among the 18 participating allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released) 190611-N-AT530-1012 190611-N-AT530-1006 BALTIC SEA (June 11, 2019) Cmdr. Michael Fabrizio, executive officer of the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), right, goes over plans with Lt. j.g. Robert Paul as Fort McHenry participates in Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 11, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among the 18 participating allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: MC2 Chris Roys VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0576 More Details 190610-N-N1604-003 BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2019) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 prepares for take off from the Royal Navy amphibious transport dock ship HMS Albion (L14) in preparation for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Royal Navy by LPhot Paul Hall/Released) 190610-N-N1604-003 190610-N-N1604-003 BALTIC SEA (June 10, 2019) An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter assigned to Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 28 prepares for take off from the Royal Navy amphibious transport dock ship HMS Albion (L14) in preparation for exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo courtesy of Royal Navy by LPhot Paul Hall/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: LPhot Paul Hall VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0579 More Details 190609-N-AT530-1035 KIEL, Germany (June 9, 2019 The Spanish Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate Almirante Juan de Borbon (F 102), top, the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F 311), right, and the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) depart Kiel, Germany for Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 9, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among the 18 participating allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released) 190609-N-AT530-1035 190609-N-AT530-1035 KIEL, Germany (June 9, 2019 The Spanish Alvaro de Bazan-class frigate Almirante Juan de Borbon (F 102), top, the Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F 311), right, and the Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) depart Kiel, Germany for Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 9, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among the 18 participating allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: MC2 Chris Roys VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0589 More Details 190609-N-AT530-1031 KIEL, GERMANY (June 9, 2019) Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Vadim Strelnikov observes from aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) as the Norwegian navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F 311) departs Kiel, Germany for Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 9, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among the 18 participating allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released) 190609-N-AT530-1031 190609-N-AT530-1031 KIEL, GERMANY (June 9, 2019) Personnel Specialist 3rd Class Vadim Strelnikov observes from aboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) as the Norwegian navy Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate HNoMS Roald Amundsen (F 311) departs Kiel, Germany for Baltic Operations (BALTOPS) 2019, June 9, 2019. BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic region, designed to enhance flexibility and interoperability among the 18 participating allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Roys/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: MC2 Christopher Roys VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0588 More Details 190609-N-EI510-0015 KIEL, Germany (June 9, 2019) The Blue Ridge class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) gets underway from Kiel, Germany, June 9, 2019, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partnered nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Barnes/Released) 190609-N-EI510-015 190609-N-EI510-0015 KIEL, Germany (June 9, 2019) The Blue Ridge class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) gets underway from Kiel, Germany, June 9, 2019, during exercise Baltic Operations (BALTOPS). BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partnered nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Scott Barnes/Released) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: MC2 Scott Barnes VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0592 For more great images, visit our BALTOPS 2019 gallery. VIDEOS 01:38 VIDEO | 01:38 | Mine Warfare Task Group Highlights - BALTOPS 2019 00:55 VIDEO | 00:55 | A World War II-era air laid mine detonates in the Baltic Sea after being discovered by the BALTOPS 2019 Mine Warfare Task Group and being rigged for detonation by a team of Norwegian Explosive Ordancemen. VIDEO | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhqbqWwN7jQ VIDEO | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=octYdwSiOEQ VIDEO | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYzVeRWS72A 00:59 VIDEO | 00:59 | BALTOPS 2019 Intro Video 5 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW More Details KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) Print KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0570 More Details KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) Print KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0571 More Details KIEL, Germany (June 05, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) Print KIEL, Germany (June 05, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0572 More Details KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) Print KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0573 More Details KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) 5 Focus KIEL, Germany (May 24, 2019) BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jessica L. Dowell VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0574 More Details BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua M. Tolbert) BALTOPS 2019 Numbers and Figures BALTOPS is the premier annual maritime-focused exercise in the Baltic Region, marking the 47th year of one of the largest exercises in Northern Europe enhancing flexibility and interoperability among allied and partner nations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua M. Tolbert) SHARE IMAGE: Download Image Image Details Photo By: Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua M. Tolbert VIRIN: 200610-N-ZZ998-0569 Follow this page for continuing coverage.